This encyclopedic guide offers a comprehensive overview of the world of secret societies, from the most well-known Masonic lodges to more obscure mystical orders and fraternal organizations. Drawing on extensive archival research and firsthand accounts, Preuss unveils the history and inner workings of these secretive groups, shedding light on the many social, political, and religious movements that have given rise to them over the centuries. An essential reference work for anyone interested in the hidden history of human societies. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Useful to the novice searcher, as well as the professional genealogist. Covers all aspects of research--major records, published sources, and special resources.

Its mysterious symbols and rituals had been used in secret for centuries before Freemasonry revealed itself in 1717. But where had this powerful organization come from and why had Freemasonry been attacked by the Roman Catholic Church? Robinson answers those questions and more.

Dr. Albert G. Mackey, also the author of The Lexicon of Freemasonry appears as author of this " Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and its Kindred Sciences," which, being a library in inself, superseded most of the Masonic works which have been tolerated by the craft—chiefly because none better could be obtained. Here, in one giant volume is a work which fulfils the hope which sustained the author through ten years' literary labor, that, under one cover he "would furnish every Mason who might consult its pages the means of acquiring a knowledge of all matters connected with the science, the philosophy, and the history of his order." For more than thirty years Dr. Mackey has devoted earnest and constant study and research to the history, the objects, and the condition of Masonry. In the present work, the crowning and successful result of a life's labors, he has received no assistance from any one. He says, " Every article was written by myself," and he adds, which would extenuate errors, had he fallen into any, "For twelve months, too, of the time occupied upon this work, I suffered from an affection of the sight, which forbade all use of the eyes for purposes of study. During that time, now happily passed, all authorities were consulted by the willing eyes of my daughters—all writing was done by their hands. I realized for a time the picture so often painted of the blind bard dictating his sublime verses to his daughters," and his preface closes with the words, "Were I to dedicate this work at all, my dedication should be—To Filial Affection." Up to the present time the modern literature of Freemasonry has been diffuse, lumbering, unreliable, and, out of all reasonable proportions.

Noted Masonic educator, George Oliver, offers his classic dictionary on the symbols of Freemasonry. The language of Freemasonry is expressed through symbolism. Our symbols are our manner of teachings the lessons we use to improve our lives. George Oliver's A Dictionary of Symbolical Masonry is a valuable addition to the library of all Freemasons. Photographic reproduction of the 1853 edition.

Dispelling myths and challenging the traditional evaluations of European and American history, here is an illuminating investigation into the evolution of...